Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations came into force in January 2007. It is implemented in the UK by The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 and parallel legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulation requires that by 5 January 2008 those that transport cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry by road on journeys over 65 km in connection with an economic activity must have passed an examination (set by independent examiners) on their competence.
(2) what assessments were made of the likely effects of the requirement for a written test on the welfare of animals during transport prior to its introduction; what the findings were of such assessments; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what criteria he has established to assess the contribution of the written test on the welfare of animals to (a) animal welfare and (b) road safety; and if he will make a statement.
In 2006, DEFRA conducted a public consultation on proposals for the implementation of Regulation 1/2005 in England (with the devolved Administrations conducting similar consultations in their territories). This was sent to over 1,400 interested organisations, key stakeholders and individuals and published on our website. For competence assessment, DEFRA proposed that assessment for short journeys under eight hours would be by means of a theory test with assessment for journeys over eight hours having an additional practical element for demonstration of animal handling and driving skills. None of the consultation responses necessitated deviation from the broad principles outlined. Consultation findings were sent to those who had responded and posted on our website.
The regulation's provisions relating to competence testing and certification do not come into effect until January 2008 and so it would be premature to conduct an assessment of the regulation at this stage. However, the regulation includes a provision for a Europe-wide review on its impact on the welfare of animals during transport in 2011. Early indications are that this is likely to be brought forward to 2009.
There are no proposals to exempt experienced drivers from the requirement to have their competence assessed. Such an exemption would be contrary to the requirements of Regulation 1/2005.